Program Information:
Semester in Tropical North Queensland has it all: world-class academics, breathtaking scenery, vibrant city life, a beautiful oceanfront, and plenty of great cuisine and entertainment. Just an hour from the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll live in one of the most majestic places in Australia and study at James Cook University (JCU). JCU is a top-notch university that has a backdrop of tropical islands, thick rainforest, and lush parks. Dive into your academics during the week and choose from more than 170 undergraduate subjects. Many courses include excursions to islands, JCU outback research stations, and some of Australia’s best kept secrets.

Here are some things to expect while on this unique program:

World-renowned marine and environmental academic programs

Tropical environment, with temps ranging from 60-90 degrees year round

Residence hall living with meal plan—no worries!

AACSB International Business School accreditation

Trips to Magnetic Island, home to northern Australia's largest wild koala population

Location:
Townsville is a charming coastal city that offers visitors a world of new experiences. You can spend your day exploring the outback, relaxing at the beach, shopping at the local markets, or dancing at one of the many music festivals. And, with only 110,000 people, it has everything a student could want without being in an overwhelmingly big city. Best of all, Townsville has 320 days of sunshine a year!

Townsville is most known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You'll have a chance to visit the Reef as part of your orientation program. Because you'll live so close, you can return again and again to the Reef to explore the awe-inspiring marine life and tropical islands. The inhabited Magnetic Island is also only 20 minutes from the city center, where you'll find nature walks, abundant wildlife (think koalas and wallabies!), and inviting beaches. The mountainous terrain and turquoise waters of the Coral Sea will awe you. Over half of this beloved island is a World Heritage listed national park.

After a day in the water, wilderness, or at university, unwind at the endless beach-front esplanade. Discover international cuisine, abundant cafes, a world-famous aquarium, and vibrant nightlife. You can also join the locals in cheering on their two major sporting teams. Townsville is one of Australia's premier tourist destinations, with a jam-packed calendar filled with sporting, aquatic, cultural, and historical events throughout the year. Australia is famous for sun, surf, and scenery—and you'll get it all by studying abroad in Townsville.